Certification Steps

Certification Checklist

Although the certification process is designed to be simple, there are still steps that need to be followed to ensure your application is submitted correctly. Follow the steps below to ensure your application is reviewed in a timely manner.

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Application

Complete a short application to share contact and demographic information.

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Professional Reference

As a requirement for the CHW/CHR certification, please invite an individual that has supervised you or is currently supervising you to complete the reference. The supervisor will be sent an email and asked if you are in good standing as a CHW/CHR.

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Certification from Another State

Individuals who have been certified in another state may apply their certification from another state towards certification in South Dakota.

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Training Certificate

Individuals will upload their training certificate from an approved training program.
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Certification Payment

The cost for CHW/CHR certification is $50, however, initial CHR certification costs will be waived through 5/31/2024. Additionally, all programs funded by the SD DOH can add the $50 individual certification expense to the monthly invoice submitted to CHWSD to be reimbursed for the expense.
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Background Check

A background check and fingerprint check are both required for CHR/CHW registration. Individuals with a felony record will not be able to apply for certification if the felony happened within the last five years or if the felony is a felony against an individual (murder, homicide, or a crime that would place an individual on the National Sex Offender Registry) or a financial felony. For individuals applying for certification with a felony that was greater than five years ago, a letter of explanation may be required.

Upload either a) the cover letter from the agency that conducted the background check stating the results of the background check; or b) a memorandum on letterhead from your organization stating the results of the background check.

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Fingerprint Check

Fingerprint Check: Upload the results of the fingerprint check. A minimum of a “State Only” fingerprint is required. The CHR/CHW’s organization may want to obtain a “State and FBI” fingerprint check.

For information to obtain fingerprints and the fees for either a “State Only” or “State and FBI” check, click on the following link: https://atg.sd.gov/LawEnforcement/Identification/backgroundcheckrequirements.aspx Then send the fingerprint cards along with the check to: Office of the Attorney General Division of Criminal Investigation, 1302 E. Highway 14, Suite 5, Pierre, SD 57501

*If you have had an employment fingerprint check within the last 12 months from the time of your application you may upload the cover letter that your employer received.

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Fingerprint Check

Fingerprint Check: Upload the results of the fingerprint check. A minimum of a “State Only” fingerprint is required. The CHR/CHW’s organization may want to obtain a “State and FBI” fingerprint check.

For information to obtain fingerprints and the fees for either a “State Only” or “State and FBI” check, click on the following link: https://atg.sd.gov/LawEnforcement/Identification/backgroundcheckrequirements.aspx Then send the fingerprint cards along with the check to: Office of the Attorney General Division of Criminal Investigation, 1302 E. Highway 14, Suite 5, Pierre, SD 57501

*If you have had an employment fingerprint check within the last 12 months from the time of your application you may upload the cover letter that your employer received.

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Final Review

All applications will be reviewed and approved before the CHWSD issues a CHW/CHR Certificate to an individual.

Questions about the certification process? Click here.

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